Short-handed Dynamo snap winless skid with 1-0 victory over Union

By Jose de Jesus Ortiz |
July 6, 2013
| Updated: July 6, 2013 11:20pm

Philadelphia Union forward Conor Casey (6) goes up for a header over Houston Dynamo defender Bobby Boswell, right, during the first half of an MLS soccer match on Saturday, July 6, 2013, at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston.

Photo By Smiley N. Pool/Houston Chronicle

A shot by Houston Dynamo midfielder Ricardo Clark (13) gets past Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath (18) for a goal in the 59th minute during the second half of an MLS soccer match on Saturday, July 6, 2013, at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston. The goal provided the difference in a 1-0 Dynamo victory.

Photo By Smiley N. Pool/Houston Chronicle

Houston Dynamo forward Omar Cummings (7) fights for the ball against Philadelphia Union defender Raymon Gaddis during the first half.

Photo By Smiley N. Pool/Houston Chronicle

Houston Dynamo midfielder Adam Moffat (16) tries for a header against Philadelphia Union midfielder Leo Fernandes during the first half.

Photo By Smiley N. Pool/Houston Chronicle

Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath kicks at the ball after a goal by Houston Dynamo midfielder Ricardo Clark (13) in the 59th minute.

Photo By Smiley N. Pool/Houston Chronicle

Houston Dynamo midfielder Boniek Garcia (27) takes a tumble as he is tripped up by Philadelphia Union midfielder Amobi Okugo (14) during the second half.

Photo By Smiley N. Pool/Houston Chronicle

Houston Dynamo fans celebrate after a goal by midfielder Ricardo Clark in the 59th minute.

The Dynamo's effort and determination, as usual, were beyond reproach Saturday night against the Philadelphia Union at BBVA Compass Stadium. They even walked off the pitch with their first victory since May 8, snapping a seven-game winless streak with a 1-0 victory.

Yet, the pivotal Eastern Conference match was a perfect example why it makes little sense for Major League Soccer to play during the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Both teams were short-handed because of injuries or suspensions.

The Dynamo were without MVP Brad Davis, who had a left hamstring injury, and starting right back Kofi Sarkodie, who was suspended. The Union were without injured star midfielder Kleberson, a designated player from Brazil, Danny Cruz, Keon Daniel and Michael Farfan.

Gold Cup causes issues

As if that weren't enough, both teams coped with the absence of young stars who were called up to the U.S. national team for the Gold Cup.

Dynamo left back Corey Ashe and co-leading scorer Will Bruin and the Union's Jack McInerney, who has scored a team- and league-high 10 goals, were with the Gold Cup squad.

"I think it's pretty easy to plan because you just have to work with the players at your disposal," Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear said. "Obviously when you look at them, you see who their team is when you get the lineup sheet before the game."

Kinnear avoids publicly expressing displeasure with the league's schedule, yet there's no denying he prefers to have his best players at all times.

With three crucial points on the line, do you think the Union could have used MLS' leading scorer Saturday night?

MLS should take a break during the Gold Cup if the tournament is that important, which is debatable considering most countries are fielding B teams this year.

The Dynamo announced a crowd of 21,300. MLS owes the crowd a guarantee that games won't be played while some of the best players are off on international duty.

If the U.S. reaches the Gold Cup final, Ashe and Bruin will miss two more regular-season games. It could have been worse. At least the Dynamo could celebrate a victory.

The Dynamo, who had not won since May 8, took the lead when Ricardo Clark headed in Jermaine Taylor's cross.

"It was great service," Clark said. "It was right where it needed to be."

Scoring drought ends

Clark's goal snapped the Dynamo's franchise record scoreless streak at six hours, 28 minutes. Moreover, they had gone 0-4-3 during the winless streak with twice as many losses as goals in that span.

"We know what's going on," Kinnear said. "Everyone questioned us for the last couple of weeks about not winning. It's a proud group and you get annoyed by it. You just look forward to the next game.

"Any time you win — if it's a great win or the team played poorly and you got a little bit lucky — I think you walk off the field with some enjoyment out of it."